Golfer Brett Rumford has remarkably found his way to the British Open weekend despite playing through tough pain and exhaustion.

The Western Australian backed up an opening round one-under-71 at St Andrews, with another in round two to be eight shots back of the weather delayed second round lead.

It’s a score that’s far from remarkable. Until you hear the background.

Back playing again before he perhaps should be after major surgery, the 37-year-old could barely move after his round.

Rumford had more than 30cm of intestine removed in emergency surgery in March after having a blockage in his small intestine caused by eating apples during a tournament in South Africa.

He spent nearly three weeks in hospital before coming back to the European Tour in May, a decision he later admitted was probably foolish.

He took further time off and if The Open wasn’t the oldest major and St Andrews the oldest course in golf he likely wouldn’t be on the links.

“It was a fight – a real battle,” the five-time Euro tour winner said of his second round.

“Those conditions were tough – and I just got tired coming home.

“It was alright because I had enough shots up my sleeve.

“I played through until 9.30 last night – didn’t get to bed until just before midnight and then again walk off tonight at 7.30.

“They’re a couple of really testing days in those conditions as well, walking around an exposed links.

“It’s everything I don’t need, really. Everything. But everything I expected, as well.

“I’m happy, I’m thrilled to bits with my effort in particular.

“Just to come out here without expectations and make the cut with some fairly solid golf, I’m really happy.”